Fairfield University names new administrators for Student Services | Press Releases

Fairfield University President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., today named Mark C. Reed, Fairfield's Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, to the position of Vice President for Student Affairs. Reed will assume the post on January 1, replacing William Schimpf, Fairfield's Vice President for Student Services, who announced Nov. 1 his plan to retire at the end of the calendar year.

In making the appointment, Father von Arx said, "During his tenure as a senior member of the student services division, Mark has demonstrated his leadership capabilities along with forward thinking solutions to the everyday challenges that are presented. I have every confidence that he will build on the strengths that exist in this area and collaborate with others as together we set out to achieve the integration of life and learning at this institution. I welcome the talent, energy and enthusiasm Mark brings to this position."

Reed is a 1996 graduate of Fairfield and has an M.Ed. in educational administration from Boston College and an MBA from Fairfield. He came to Fairfield in 2000 as Assistant to the Dean of the Business School, served briefly in the Office of Annual Giving, and was named Dean of Students in 2001. In June of 2004, upon assuming administrative oversight responsibility for the Athletic Department, he was named Associate Vice President and Dean of Students. During his time at Fairfield, Reed has also served as an adjunct instructor for the Mathematics Department and the Dolan School of Business' MBA program, participated in the Kairos retreat program, and led Ignatian Volunteer trips to Mexico and Ecuador.

Prior to his work at Fairfield, Reed served St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia, Pa., as a mathematics teacher, coordinator of community service programs, student retreat leader and assistant freshman basketball coach. From there, he joined Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Mass., where he taught mathematics and computer applications, served as assistant athletic director, coached the freshman soccer and basketball teams, led student service trips, participated in student retreats and taught in the enrichment program for incoming freshmen.

In his new role, Reed will lead a division that includes the Office of the Dean of Students, Athletics and Recreation, Public Safety; Health and Counseling Services, Residence Life, Student Life and University Activities, New Student Programs, the Center for Multicultural Relations, Career Services, Academic and Disability Support Services, the StagCard Office and support services such as Dining Services and the Fairfield Bookstore.

Reed said, "I look forward to this opportunity, and I truly appreciate the support and confidence Fr. von Arx is showing in me. I am humbled by that and recognize the responsibility and charge that comes with it. I pledge to work as hard as I can and to work to implement the strategic initiatives for Fairfield University that will mark the next chapter in our history. I can't think of a more exciting time to lead this division of the University. I also recognize that my opportunity coincides with the retirement of someone who has given the majority of his professional career to Fairfield, and I want to recognize Bill Schimpf on his well-earned retirement. I have learned a number of valuable lessons working for and with him over the past five years, and he will be missed."

Following the announcement of Reed's appointment by Father von Arx, Reed took the opportunity to name Thomas C. Pellegrino, currently Acting Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life as the new Dean of Students effective January 1, 2006.

Reed said of Pellegrino, "I knew that selecting the right person to coordinate and manage the key functions of the division - and the units that will play the lead role in shaping the integration of life and learning as called for in our strategic plan - was the most important first decision I had to make. Tom's academic credentials and prior professional career experience are stellar, but I have been most impressed by the way he has approached his roles and responsibilities at Fairfield thus far. He is a leader and strong manager and he has demonstrated clearly his ability to work with and across all sectors of the University."

Reed explained he wanted Pellegrino's appointment to take effect simultaneously with his "so that Pellegrino will be able to place immediate and timely focus on hiring a new director of residence life. In the interim, Tom will continue to serve as the acting director of the Office of Residence Life and will spend a good portion of his time working in that office until a new director is hired," Reed said.

Pellegrino will directly supervise and have administrative oversight for the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Life & University Activities (including New Student Programs), Residence Life, off-campus student affairs, student advocacy concerns, student grievance and Title IX resolutions, production of the student handbook and other responsibilities. Reed indicated Pellegrino will serve on a number of University committees and, in the absence of the vice president, will serve as the senior member of the division.

Pellegrino, a 1990 graduate of Fairfield University began work here in 2004 as Assistant Director of Student Activities and was named to his current post earlier this year. Prior to that he was an attorney with Clendenen & Shea, LLC, New Haven, Conn. Pellegrino received his J.D. from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Connecticut.

Pellegrino said, "It's an honor for me to be appointed to the position of Dean of Students. I am grateful for this opportunity, and stand committed to continuing the tradition of strong leadership that Mark Reed brought to the position. I can think of no greater responsibility, and no greater privilege, than to be entrusted with the care, well being and development of others. I take this responsibility seriously, and will put all my energies towards being an effective advocate, mentor and teacher for the students."